Three dead in fires as winds torment Bexar County

Bodies found in burned house on Pearsall Road.

By Michelle Mondo, Staff Writer

Updated 1:53 am, Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Photo: Photos By Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News

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People cry after being told of the deaths at a burned home in the 8100 block of Pearsall Road. Relatives said they had been told that their loved ones — a woman and her twin 1-year-old sons — had died in the house.

People cry after being told of the deaths at a burned home in the 8100 block of Pearsall Road. Relatives said they had been told that their loved ones — a woman and her twin 1-year-old sons — had died in

A firefighter goes through the wreckage at one of the homes that burned in the Pearsall Road fire. In San Antonio, wind gusts ranged from 30 to 50 mph.

A firefighter goes through the wreckage at one of the homes that burned in the Pearsall Road fire. In San Antonio, wind gusts ranged from 30 to 50 mph.

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Firefighters work the scene of a fire at the Wood Hollow apartments in the 10800 block of Sahara Street near U.S. 281 on the North Side. Twenty-four apartments were destroyed in the fire.

Firefighters work the scene of a fire at the Wood Hollow apartments in the 10800 block of Sahara Street near U.S. 281 on the North Side. Twenty-four apartments were destroyed in the fire.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Emergency personnel take the pulse of an elderly woman as they battle a fire in the 8100 block of Pearsall Road. The woman was pulled from one of five homes that burned.

Emergency personnel take the pulse of an elderly woman as they battle a fire in the 8100 block of Pearsall Road. The woman was pulled from one of five homes that burned.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

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Fires kill three, destroy five homes

Fires kill three, destroy five homes

Photo: Harry Thomas

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10800 block of Sahara Street.

10800 block of Sahara Street.

Photo: Harry Thomas

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San Antonio Fire Department personnel work a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window air conditioner unit and when the when they arrived, one room of the house was fully involved. He estimates damages at $40,000. less

San Antonio Fire Department personnel work a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window air conditioner ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Fire Department personnel work a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window air conditioner unit and when the when they arrived, one room of the house was fully involved. He estimates damages at $40,000. less

San Antonio Fire Department personnel work a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window air conditioner ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Fire Department personnel wrap up a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window air conditioner unit and when the when they arrived, one room of the house was fully involved. He estimates damages at $40,000. less

San Antonio Fire Department personnel wrap up a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window air ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Fire Department take a breather after working a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window air conditioner unit and when the when they arrived, one room of the house was fully involved. He estimates damages at $40,000. less

San Antonio Fire Department take a breather after working a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Fire Department personnel work a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window air conditioner unit and when the when they arrived, one room of the house was fully involved. He estimates damages at $40,000. less

San Antonio Fire Department personnel work a structure fire at 107 Blakeley Drive, Sunday February 22, 2015. According to SAFD Capt. Shawn Griffin, a passerby saw flames coming out of a window air conditioner ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

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A elderly woman is comforted as emergency personnel battle a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds. The woman was pulled out of a house next to the burning structures.

A elderly woman is comforted as emergency personnel battle a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds. The woman was pulled out of a

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one of the houses was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one of the houses was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one

Concrete piers and support columns are all that is left of a house as emergency personnel battle a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one of the houses was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

Concrete piers and support columns are all that is left of a house as emergency personnel battle a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one of the houses was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one of the houses was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one of the houses was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one of the houses was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one of the houses was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

Emergency personnel work a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses. An 83-year-old woman pulled out of one

People react at the scene of a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses.

People react at the scene of a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

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People react at the scene of a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses.

People react at the scene of a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

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People react at the scene of a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses.

People react at the scene of a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

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People react at the scene of a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses.

People react at the scene of a multi-structure fire at the 8100 block of Old Pearsall Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. The fire was fueled by high winds and destroyed five houses.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

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A large street lamp globe lies crashed on the ground outside Cadena-Reeves Justice Center, one of several lamps that broke downtown during Monday's high winds.

A large street lamp globe lies crashed on the ground outside Cadena-Reeves Justice Center, one of several lamps that broke downtown during Monday's high winds.

Photo: John Gonzalez

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A three-alarm fire also destroyed part of a major apartment complex on the North Side, in the 10,800 block of Sahara near U.S. 281.

A three-alarm fire also destroyed part of a major apartment complex on the North Side, in the 10,800 block of Sahara near U.S. 281.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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Firefighters spray water onto a structure fire, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at an apartment complex in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

Firefighters spray water onto a structure fire, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at an apartment complex in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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A spectator watches apartment buildings burn, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

A spectator watches apartment buildings burn, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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A firefighter sprays water onto a structure fire on the 10,800 block of Sahara near U.S. 281.

A firefighter sprays water onto a structure fire on the 10,800 block of Sahara near U.S. 281.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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A spectator uses his smart phone to record video of an apartment fire, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

A spectator uses his smart phone to record video of an apartment fire, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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Firefighters spray water onto a structure fire, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at an apartment complex in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

Firefighters spray water onto a structure fire, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at an apartment complex in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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Firefighters survey an apartment unit in flames, Monday in the10,800 block of Sahara near U.S. 281 in San Antonio.

Firefighters survey an apartment unit in flames, Monday in the10,800 block of Sahara near U.S. 281 in San Antonio.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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Firefighters spray water onto a structure fire at an apartment complex in the 10,800 block of Sahara in San Antonio.

Firefighters spray water onto a structure fire at an apartment complex in the 10,800 block of Sahara in San Antonio.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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Spectators watch as firefighters attempt to extinguish a three-alarm fire at apartments at a major apartment complex in the 10,800 block of Sahara in San Antonio.

Spectators watch as firefighters attempt to extinguish a three-alarm fire at apartments at a major apartment complex in the 10,800 block of Sahara in San Antonio.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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Spectators watch as firefighters attempt to extinguish a three-alarm fire that destroyed part of a major apartment complex on the 10,800 block of Sahara near U.S. 281.

Spectators watch as firefighters attempt to extinguish a three-alarm fire that destroyed part of a major apartment complex on the 10,800 block of Sahara near U.S. 281.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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Firefighters work to contain a structure fire, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at an apartment complex in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

Firefighters work to contain a structure fire, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at an apartment complex in the 10300 block of Sahara St. in San Antonio.

Photo: Darren Abate, Darren Abate/For The Express-New

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Firefighters work the scene of a fire at the Wood Hollow Apartment Homes in the 10,300 block of Sahara Drive Monday Feb. 25, 2013.

Firefighters work the scene of a fire at the Wood Hollow Apartment Homes in the 10,300 block of Sahara Drive Monday Feb. 25, 2013.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Firefighters work the scene of a fire at the Wood Hollow Apartment Homes in the 10,300 block of Sahara Drive Monday Feb. 25, 2013.

Firefighters work the scene of a fire at the Wood Hollow Apartment Homes in the 10,300 block of Sahara Drive Monday Feb. 25, 2013.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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The remains of apartments after a fire at the Wood Hollow Apartment Homes in the 10,300 block of Sahara Drive Monday Feb. 25, 2013.

The remains of apartments after a fire at the Wood Hollow Apartment Homes in the 10,300 block of Sahara Drive Monday Feb. 25, 2013.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Three dead in fires as winds torment Bexar County

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A wind-whipped blaze that left three people dead was one of three major fires that destroyed homes and displaced families Monday afternoon when gusts reached more than 50 mph.

Officials didn't yet know late Monday what caused the fatal fire, which began around 2:15 p.m. at the home in the 8100 block of Pearsall Road; it was believed that those killed were in the house where it started.

Distraught relatives said they had been told that their loved ones — a woman named Roxanne and her twin 1-year-old sons — had died in one of the houses. Bexar County officials, who said at first that a woman was found dead there, later confirmed there were three bodies but would not specify their genders or ages.

More than a dozen family members and friends gathered at the scene, hugging and crying as word spread that bodies had been found.

There were no reports of anyone else missing.

As firefighters from more than six agencies contained the flames, crews had to evacuate houses in the path of a separate brush fire, also in Southwest Bexar County, that had destroyed three structures and burned about 350 acres near Pleasanton and Tumble roads.

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Just three hours later, in San Antonio, a three-alarm fire destroyed part of an apartment complex on the North Side, in the 10800 block of Sahara Street near U.S. 281. The Fire Department had 41 units on the scene, and police blocked traffic on Isom Road and San Pedro Avenue.

How many people were displaced by all the fires wasn't known by agency spokespeople. A call to the Red Cross, which assisted at the fires, wasn't returned, but the agency's Twitter feed said 80 people needed assistance from the North Side apartments.

The wind was a factor in trying to fight all the fires, officials said.

On Pearsall Road, the fire quickly spread to two neighboring homes, jumped across Pearsall to destroy a fourth home, passed another house without damaging it, then engulfed a fifth home, county spokeswoman Laura Jesse said. It was contained by late in the afternoon.

When the fire first broke out, volunteer firefighters rescued a mother and two infants from one of the burning houses, helped by a pair of documentary filmmakers from the University of Texas at Austin.

“There was a woman screaming that she had two babies with her,” said filmmaker Emmanuel Delfin, 20, who was there to film the volunteers. “Everything was covered with smoke because the building next to it was going up in flames.”

Delfin said a firefighter handed him one of the babies and that he put his camera down to carry the child to an ambulance.

Resident Angelica Salas said her grandmother, 83, was also rescued from her home. Neighbors broke windows, and relatives helped her get out, she said.

Salas said her grandmother suffered smoke inhalation but was expected to be OK. The fire consumed her own new home, which her family had just finished building, she said.

“Mine was completely destroyed,” she said, shaking her head and pointing. “Burned to the ground.”

Firefighters found the bodies in a search of the burned homes after containing the threat to other homes nearby, county officials said.

No one was injured in the 5:30 p.m. fire that broke out at the Wood Hollow apartments on Sahara Street, said Fire Department spokesman Christian Bove.

Building 12, with 16 apartments, and an additional eight apartments in a smaller building were a total loss.

Heavy smoke off a second-floor balcony prompted the emergency call, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Bove said.

A smaller building nearby was also evacuated as a precaution, Bove said, and fire officials were concerned that high winds might help the fire spread.

Firefighters fought the flames from the outside of Building 12 because structural damage made it unsafe for them to go inside.

Toliver Kindred, 26, lived on the second floor of the burned building. He was in his room and saw smoke. He went outside and saw even more smoke from an adjacent apartment, so he ran out.

“I guess I am just waiting for the Red Cross people,” he said. “I lost everything in there.”

Homero Rodriguez, 21, who lives in a nearby building, said he heard commotion around 5:30 and came to see what was happening.

“All we heard was a loud bang, and then we saw cops and firefighters,” he said.

The winds knocked out power to more than 31,000 local homes, businesses and schools, including the Alamo Quarry shopping center and much of the area in and around Wonderland of the Americas Mall at Interstate 10 and Loop 410.

The day's strongest winds were measured about 11 a.m. in Hondo, when a gust peaked at 64 mph, the National Weather Service said. In San Antonio, gusts ranged from 30 to 50 mph.

The weather service issued a red flag fire warning for all of South Central Texas from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. as the humidity fell in the wake of a fast-moving cold front that produced a blizzard in the Texas Panhandle.